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Asbestos and Floods

Asbestos exposure is often believed to be an occupational hazard, something that occurs while on a job site or some other work setting. Exposure can occur around the house as well, particularly if a home is damaged by flood waters. Damaged flooring, drywall and ceilings can release dangerous asbestos fibers during the cleanup phase after a flood, exposing those charged with the cleanup if they are not wearing protective clothing and masks.

Waters can damage even the strongest structures, and once they invade a home or building they can break down asbestos into fine fibers. When the fibers dry out, they can become airborne and can be easily inhaled during cleanup.

To understand why airborne asbestos is so dangerous, ask for a free informational packet about the mineral and the diseases it can cause. The comprehensive packet from The Mesothelioma Center is mailed overnight to anyone who requests it by filling out this form.

Asbestos and Asbestos Products in Floods

Asbestos was also used in more than 3,000 construction materials and manufactured products and was used as a part of new home construction or remodeling until the early 1980s. Common household materials that may contain asbestos include:

• Adhesives
• Appliances components
• Flooring
• Ceiling products
• Cement board
• Electrical insulation and panels
• Fireplace Decorations
• Gardening products
• Heating and cooling systems
• Insulation
• Paints
• Roofing
• Table pads
• Wallboard

But having a house or other facility damaged by water is not the only way floods can make asbestos fibers become airborne. The naturally occurring mineral is found some parts of California, Virginia and New Jersey (and across the globe in Turkey and Corsica) in asbestos-bearing rock. It is close enough to the surface that construction and other activities can disturb it, leading to release of high concentrations of asbestos fibers into the air and dust.

These rocks are harmless until crushed into a fine dust that releases microscopic asbestos fibers. During a flood these fibers are easily carried in the waters.

For example, in parts of the North Cascades in Washington State, the mineral was released by a slow-moving landslide and then was carried into the Swift River. When the river flooded, asbestos fibers were deposited into residents' yards and in homes.

Getting Rid of Asbestos

The process of removing asbestos is called abatement. This simply means collecting all the loose asbestos or known asbestos-containing materials that are exposed and getting them out. Although it sounds like a simple process, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly suggests cleanup be performed by licensed asbestos contractors experts recommend that only qualified professionals do it.

Homeowners do have a legal right to perform the cleanup themselves. If a homeowner elects to have abatement done by a contractor, it is recommended they discuss the steps the contractor will take to ensure there is no asbestos exposure in the home. Professional asbestos contractors are required for commercial and multi-family residences of more than four units.

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